Group now seeking public input on projects

HAMPTON — Hampton's downtown waterfront could become a regional arts destination, a hot spot for foodies and a playground for the young and old alike.

That vision, according to a plan unveiled Wednesday afternoon by Hampton First, transforms mostly vacant and underutilized land downtown into a vibrant landscape with an arts center, restaurants, waterfront condos and a research park just beyond Pembroke Avenue.

"We're talking about being aggressive and bold and exciting, and I think the plan we're proposing is just that," said Hampton University President William Harvey, who is also the chairman of Hampton First.

With $280,000 of the city's money in hand, Harvey gathered two dozen downtown leaders and activists in June 2012 to create a focus group to build a downtown revitalization plan.

Using those public dollars, Hampton First hired Sasaki Associates – the Boston firm that created the Fort Monroe master plan – as a project consultant.

"Quality costs money, excitement costs money, revitalization costs money, so we need to see if we can all work together in a public- private partnership to make this a fait accompli," Harvey said.

The Hampton First plan calls for a new grocery store and commercial shops at the former Harbor Square Apartments site. Close to 80 unused acres between Armistead Avenue and Interstate 64 could become the Bright's Creek Commercial Center and house a research and development park.

An arts center along Settlers Landing Road could house existing exhibits showcased at the Hampton University Museum. Students could also take classes at the site, Harvey said. Across the street, restaurants and waterfront condos would overlook a publicly accessible walkway.

The existing seafood companies on South King Street could remain, although their physical footprint would be reduced to make room for apartments and condos, according to the plan.

This isn't the first plan Hampton has commissioned, but Harvey believes this is the first one that has teeth.

In the spring of 2011, the city hired Peninsula Town Center developer Steiner+Associates to create a report outlining the strengths and weaknesses of Hampton and the impediments to redeveloping downtown.

That firm's report stated the city's business community lacked the leadership necessary to create an overall direction for Hampton.

The city's existing downtown master plan was published by Urban Design Associates, of Pittsburgh, in 2004.

So what will the city do to make progress with the Hampton First plan?

Mayor George Wallace said the City Council will hold work sessions with staff to leaf through the document and create an "action plan" on how best to implement the ideas.

"We're giving you a plan today that is not one that can be completed next week, but a plan that has short term, mid-range and long term goals," Harvey told the City Council.

Jimmy Cerracchio, executive director of the Downtown Hampton Development Partnership, said the plan presents a "strong vision for taking downtown Hampton into the future."

"I like that the plan considers multiple aspects of what drives a downtown economy, including daytime workforce, residents, and visitors," he said. "The idea of an arts center which can accommodate larger performances, public museum space, and artist work spaces can add a huge, diverse cultural attraction for the area, and is something that usually helps anchor activity in a city's urban core."

Councilman Will Moffett said the Hampton First plan also needs to be vetted by residents.

"I'm thinking to myself that these citizens have seen many plans over the years," Moffett said. "Let's plan to have the citizens view this so we can hopefully give them something to rally around."

No dates have been announced for those workshops or public input meetings.